A.R.P. Rescue Centre, Selby Road, training exercise

1940.
Image shows a training exercise taking place at the A.R.P. (Air Raid Precaution) Rescue Centre in Selby Road. The unit was formed to act in the rescue of people in bombed areas of Leeds and surrounding districts during World War 2. It was also called out to York and, in particular Hull where there was heavy bombing. The men are demonstrating some of the rescue equipment with the aid of a dummy. In charge of the unit, and wearing a white tin hat with his hands on hips, is William Noel Slee who lived in The Fearnvilles, Leeds 8. The year after this photograph was taken, in 1941, he left the rescue unit upon being called up to serve in the R.A.F. The single storey buildings occupied by the Rescue Centre were demolished but the foundations remain. They were situated at the junction of Selby Road with the A.64. The road is now called Killingbeck Bridge.